An inspiring journey: Overcoming loss and pushing through the pandemic 

Lisa Shields pursued her health care career dreams through Purdue Global, inspiring her family and honoring her son’s memory.

During the pandemic, health care workers were on the front lines. They were working long hours while being isolated from loved ones and putting others before themselves. Lisa Shields was one of these heroes, working 100-hour weeks as a phlebotomist — her first job in the medical field. 

But Shields wasn’t just carrying the weight of a career in health care during a pandemic. She was also grieving the loss of her 4-year-old son, Ethan. 

Ethan was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, and due to his tracheostomy, he succumbed to acute respiratory distress syndrome after fighting hard for four years. Inspired to help others after her journey with her son, she joined the medical field after he passed away in 2019 and was quickly hit with the pandemic in 2020.  

“Going through COVID and grieving the loss of my son while being a health care worker was absolutely hard,” Shields says. “But when I would see these sick people, it made me want to care more about them. It made me realize that my face may be the only face they get to see.” 

The two tragedies forced her to reassess. Tired of feeling the disassociation and exhaustion the pandemic created during a time that should’ve been dedicated to grief, Shields decided to do something to improve her life — pursue online education through Purdue Global. 

Purdue Global opens doors to dreams 

In 2020 Shields took her first step toward her dream of working in the medical field by becoming a phlebotomist. By completing blood draws, Shields could get her foot in the door without any advanced training or qualifications. But it wasn’t easy.  

At work, she was on her feet for 100 hours a week. At home, she cared for her 11-year-old daughter, Serenitie. There wasn’t time to think about anything else. Shields barely had time to eat. Looking at the medical assistants at her hospital who were working fewer hours than her for more pay, she realized she was just as capable, and she could make a move toward becoming a medical assistant by continuing her education.   

“I needed to find a solution where I could go to school while being a working mom,” Shields says. “I struggled to find that, but then I found Purdue Global. I thought, ‘What? I can really do this online?’ I was so happy to find the program.” 

Even with an emotionally and physically demanding job during a challenging time in health care, on top of balancing her parenting responsibilities as a single mom, she was able to earn her certificate with the flexibility and opportunities Purdue Global provided.  

“I completed my externships and internships at the same place I was working as a phlebotomist, which helped me balance everything,” Shields says. 

In 2024 she walked across the stage in West Lafayette, Indiana, to accept her medical assistant certificate — a moment she describes as “overwhelming” because most of her family was able to attend.  

Shields’ daughter and partner were able to see her success in person. Shields’ parents, who had rarely left their home state of Michigan, were sitting in the audience. 

“My dad actually cried when I walked across the stage,” Shields says. 

Not only were her parents there, but Shields’ siblings were also cheering her on. Her sister was there in person, holding the phone that allowed their brother to join the celebration. 

“My brother graduated college, and he’s currently serving in Iraq,” Shields says. “He was on a video call when I walked, and he got to watch me cross the stage, which meant a lot.” 

The undeniable impact of her online certificate 

With her certificate, Shields was hired at the same company as a medical assistant in family medicine. She loves that her job allows her to help a wide range of people. When asked what she loves most about her job, Shields quickly asserts, “everything.” 

“I have a passion for every person that comes in,” Shields says with a huge smile. “It’s a gift for me.” 

Not only is Shields able to move forward in family medicine, but she is looking even further ahead. 

“Purdue Global has given me a look at bigger roles in the medical field and opened my eyes to what’s possible,” Shields says. “I want to go back for a degree.” 

Beyond her personal triumph, her educational journey has also impacted her family.  

“A week after my graduation, my baby sister signed up for her GED,” Shields says. “She told me later, ‘You did it. Now it’s my time.’” 

Shields’ experience even brought her closer to her daughter, who is now 13 years old.  

Don’t ever say you can’t do it. You can do it if you put your mind to it.

Lisa Shields 

Medical assistant certificate ’24, Purdue Global 

“This degree means even more because I was able to sit at the table with my daughter for the last year or so and do homework and say that I did it with her,” Shields says. “She is very proud of me.”  

Of course, it always goes back to family for her. Shields says this is how she chooses to honor the memory of her son — working to continually improve herself and help others. 

“This means everything to me. I didn’t think I’d ever go back to college,” Shields says, reflecting on her journey. “I really used to think I didn’t have what it takes. Then one day I decided it wasn’t an excuse. 

“Don’t ever say you can’t do it. You can do it if you put your mind to it.”